Cycling Tips

Folks, proper routine bike maintenance is important. Here are nine tips and a video to help you with performing safety checks and keeping your bicycle in good condition.

1. Keep it clean.
Want to prolong the life of your bike? Clean it! All you need is a bike repair stand, some soapy water, rags and a soft brush. Oil and grit can be tough to remove from your chain and gear sprockets, but a decent degreaser will help break down this gunky build up. No time post-ride? Use a baby wipe for a quick clean up job.

2. Inflate tires properly.
Poorly inflated tires are prone to issues like flats or punctures. Get a good floor pump with a pressure gauge to do the inflation job. Do you know what all those numbers on your tire are for? Check your tires before every ride.

STOP! Let's talk about brakes. Their job is important, so you need to be sure they are up for the task of stopping the momentum of your bike (and YOU) in any situation.

3. Squeaky brakes?
Noisy brakes are often dirty brakes, or at least dirty wheel rims. Clean and dry both properly and most of the time, problem solved. If that doesn’t work, they might need adjusting. See Vilano Bikes' knowledgebase for help.

4. Check your brake pads.
Worn brake pads mean they should be tossed. If you can hardly see the grooves any more, they're worn. Fitting new brake pads is a cheap and easy fix. All you need is a set of Allen wrenches and a little patience.

5. Tighten and adjust (caliper) brakes.
If your brakes seem "sluggish", meaning if you squeeze the brake lever and it moves more than halfway towards the handlebars – they should be tightened. Just twist the barrel adjuster by the brake lever for a quick fix. If that does not work, grab the Allen wrenches and open the brake nut to free the brake cable, pull it taut and close the nut again.

6. Lube it up!
Grab some bike lubricant and use sparingly on any parts of your bike where metal touches metal. Be sure to clean it well before lubing, or lubing will be a waste of time.

7. Check your wheels to see if they are “true”.
Turn your bike upside down and spin your wheels. Do they wobble from side to side? If so, they need “truing”. This is a quick fix, but not one for an amateur, as you need special equipment. Your local bike shop will do this for a small fee.

8. Adjust your saddle for the best fit.
If you find you are sore after a ride, try experimenting with your saddle. You can raise or tilt it to suit your riding style. If your saddle is too low, it may cause your knees to become sore. Keep in mind your legs should be nearly straight on the downwards revolution as you pedal.

9. Go see a pro.
Once a year may be fine, especially if you keep up with routine maintenance yourself. However it is a good idea to periodically have a professional bike mechanic look at your bike.

Leaves are dropping from the trees and you find yourself searching the far reaches of your closet for a flannel shirt. Suddenly you have an overwhelming desire for anything pumpkin spice...

FALL IS HERE!

Autumn trail

This doesn't mean you have to put your bike away just yet. Know that caution is needed when cycling during autumn months. The weather may be unpredictable with high winds and mixed precipitation, the sun is low and angled, and slippery wet surfaces or debris in the road can be a challenge. These are all good reasons to slow down and pay attention.

Be prepared for anything and carry a waterproof jacket, tool kit, tubes, water, a snack and a few dollars. Even if you don't need them, maybe you'll be able to help a fellow cyclist out with either a quick roadside repair or an energy boost.

Vilano Diverse 2.0 Performance Hybrid

It is a good year-round practice to make sure your bike is tuned correctly, but take an extra few minutes now and give it a once over.

Visually inspect the entire bicycle. Make sure the brakes are working well. Double and triple check that your front white light and rear red light's batteries are functioning. Look at the chain and go through the gears. Now is not the time to be stranded and unprepared! If it does happen, remember that AAA now offers roadside assistance to cyclists, too!

When you are ready to head out for a ride, wear bright clothing, and add reflective strips to your body parts that move (legs, shoes, wrists) for extra safety. If you wear a pack or bag, put reflective strips and a light on it also. Put a flashing light on the back of your helmet to be more visible. I love this idea as it puts light at a motorist's eye level.

Pumpkins = fall

The season's change should not prevent you from having fun out on the road or trails. There is even more reason to get out there, as studies show that regular exercise (like cycling every day for 1/2 hour) is great for the mind and the body.

Summer? Check your rear view mirror. The leaves are turning, and shadows are growing long while the days grow short.

Get cycling this fall!

This doesn't mean you have to put your bike away! Just know that caution is needed when cycling during autumn. The weather may be unpredictable with high winds and mixed precipitation, the sun is low and angled, and slippery wet surfaces or debris in the road (like leaves!) can be a challenge. These are all good reasons to slow down and pay attention.

Be ready for everything and carry a waterproof jacket, tool kit, tubes, water, a snack and a few dollars on board your bike or person. Even if you don't need them, maybe you'll be able to help a fellow cyclist out with either a quick roadside repair or an energy boost.

It is a good year-round practice to make sure your bike is tuned correctly, but take an extra few minutes now and give it a once over. Visually inspect the entire bicycle. Make sure the brakes are working well. Double and triple check that your front white light and rear red light's batteries are functioning. Look at the chain and go through the gears. Now is not the time to be stranded and unprepared!

When you are ready to head out for a ride , wear bright clothing, and add reflective strips to your body parts that move (legs, shoes, wrists) for extra safety. If you wear a pack or bag, put reflective strips and a light on it also. Think about putting a flashing light on the back of your helmet to be more visible. I love this idea as it puts light at a motorist's eye level.

Don't let the season's change prevent you from having fun out on the road or trails. Have fun and happy riding!

Our return policy for the holidays is similar to our already generous return policy. This year, for your convenience we have made it even longer. Anything purchased from our site from November 1st, 2016 to December 31st, 2016 can be returned through January 31st, 2017.

If you purchase an item that requires assembly (like a bicycle), we encourage you to put it together before the holidays. And let us know if you need anything! We have an extensive online knowledgebase full of handy assembly videos, helpful maintenance tips, and informative articles. Our customer service and tech departments will work hard to be sure you are pleased. Call us at 855-762-3245 or email customercare@roadbikeoutlet.com if you need anything.

We love the outdoors and staying active. Check out our fantastic selection of inflatable stand up paddle boards, fitness equipment, cycling trainers and outdoor games. They all make wonderful gifts for the sports enthusiast in your life.

Do you know the history of Black Friday (at least in regards to the holiday shopping season)? The term has been used for over fifty years!

Whether you want get an early jump on it or wait until the last minute, remember RoadBikeOutlet.com is here to make it easy to shop from the comfort of your home.

Balance bikes are perfect for teaching a child balance, steering and coordination skills. With air tires, a bell for safety and adjustable seat and handlebars, this lightweight bike grows with the child. Help ease the transition to pedaling a "big kid" bike with the Vilano Balance Bike! Now available in blue and red.

Know a kid who wants to learn to skate? Vilano now makes the cutest inline skates for children! Available in three sizes, each model is easily adjustable with at the push of a button and designed to expand up to 4 sizes larger.

Vilano Inline Skates

Vilano Inline Skates

These inline skates have two straps that lock and comfy padded liners. Polyurethane wheels and a brake make them perfect for active kids who are ready to have fun skating around the park or neighborhood.

The Conquer 2L Hydration Pack is the perfect size for a bike ride or run. The 2 liter BPA free bladder holds plenty of water, and this pack has adjustable shoulder and chest straps. A handy front pocket will keep your keys and mobile phone secure.

This pack has zippered front pockets to hold your wallet, keys and phone, and two front compartments will hold maps, guidebooks and a ton of granola bars. Even more gear will fit under the bungee!

Conquer 3L pack, rear view

The 3 liter BPA free bladder is easy to fill and clean, and the no kink tube has a leak-free and simple to use bite valve. The tube can position on either the right or the left padded shoulder strap. There are plenty of loops for hanging gear or storing the pack.

Learn the signs of dehydration. Drink plenty of fluids before and after exercise.

Do you have a Vilano Fixed Gear/Single Speed Bike on the way? The friendly folks at Vilano Bikes made this short and informative video to help you through the simple process of assembling it:

Please know that Vilano Bikes ship in a factory direct state! While the above video highlights the main points of assembly, the bike may require additional tuning. Please visit help.roadbikeoutlet.com for lots of great information and more videos.

We have bike techs on staff available to assist as well. Call us at 855-762-3245 or send and email to customercare@roadbikeoutlet.com. We are here to help!

We have always carried a great selection of commuter bikes and hybrids. But check out the all new Vilano Retro City Commuter bikes! Their simple hybrid style may look like a throwback, but these sweet rides are full of contemporary features to make your ride to work, school or town fun.

Vilano Retro City Commuter

Available in both men's and women's versions, the bikes feature so many bike-to-work perks like a rear rack with spring loaded retention system to keep your gear on board. No need to worry about the weather, the front and rear fenders also have splash guards so you'll arrive clean and dry. The fenders and the rack are matching shiny, steel chrome.

Seven speeds (controlled by the easy to use twist grip shifters) are enough to get you over every hill. Ride in upright posture with the classic hybrid handlebars. Brown grips and a matching brown suspension saddle look great and are comfy too!

Long on style and short on price, the Vilano Retro City Commuter Bikes are the perfect urban hybrids that will look amazing and perform well in any setting: from city streets to the college campus, solitary country roads to group rides on the rail trail.

Don't forget, we are here to help even after you purchase your bike with cycling tips, handy how to videos, and more! Our qualified bike techs and amazing customer service team are available to answer any questions you have.